The Heroes Of Monument Park

Chapter 1 - A Fated Meeting

The smell of a coming rain was one of Ren Fay's favorite things. In the winter, it brought with it a sharp and clear wind as if the snow on the ground was too pure to really hold a smell. Spring was different. It smelled like change. As if everything from the past year was being washed away to make room for something new. This was why Ren decided to do her homework on the roof of her house. Most of her house had a traditional roof with slanted shingles save for a portion above her room. She had discovered it one night when she was attempting to sneak out of the house. The climb was relatively easy as her room's window was open. Just a simple foot here, hand there, and curve into the window.

Ren took a breath and thought about how lucky she was no one else had wanted her room when they moved to Monument Park. Though the roof spot was had a great view, the room itself was relatively small. The closet was about as big as Ren herself and there was that one spot in the roof that always leaked.

Still, nothing could beat the peace she felt when she sat on the roof. It was almost like everything else faded away the moment she reached the top. Then, it was just her and her thoughts. Just the way she liked it.

From somewhere within the house, Ren heard her dad call her. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh before beginning the climb back into her room. The second floor of the house was practically a hallway with rooms on either side of it. Ren's sat at the very end of the hall while her parent's was the very first. Her brother, Marcus, had chosen to room in the attic even though there was another perfectly fine room. When she had mentioned this to him, he had shrugged saying they could use it for guests.

Again she heard her name being called. This time she could tell it was from the kitchen, so she followed it hoping to arrive before her dad yelled again. When she did finally enter the kitchen, she saw her dad wearing his "Pop corn" apron.

"Yes?" Her voice was exasperated, but it seemed as if her dad didn't notice it. Instead, he turned around with a large smile on his face.

"Ah, Ren. I need your help with something." She continued to stare at him expectantly while he paused. "I'm making Mac and Cheese tonight, but I ran out of milk. Do you think you could run down to the shop and grab some for me?" Her dad was one of the happiest people she knew, which always made her wonder how he had made such a pessimistic child like herself.

"Do I have a choice?" He gave her dad look and she sighed. "How much does milk cost?" His smile returned.

"Not much, but here." He reached wiped his hands off on his apron before reaching into his back pocket for his wallet. This should be enough, we just need one, and there should be enough there for some Sour Strings as well." He handed her the money and Ren felt a smile edge at her mouth. He definitely knew how to bribe her. She started towards the front door, before stopping.

"Did you want a pack, too?" The front door wasn't too far away from the kitchen, but it was far enough that she had to raise her voice.

"I can't believe you have to ask!" His response was quick and loud making Ren laugh as she walked out. This was another thing Ren always felt lucky for. Their house sat close to nearly everything that they needed. So, unless they were going grocery shopping, they could make a quick run to the grocery store whenever they needed to.

This particular grocery store was owned by one of her dad's friends. Her dad often forced Ren and Marcus to volunteer at the store to help stock or bring in shipments. Recently, Ren had been the only one being forced to volunteer since Marcus had started college.

A jingle from the bell over the double doors signaled her arrival. She was greeted by a worker who held out a plastic basket from the rows she had on her arms. Ren politely declined and quickly made her way to the cold products section. The store was a decent size with all sorts of different sections within it. The food was supposed to be healthier than you would find at a normal grocery store, and it seemed to be a good marketing point. She never saw Uncle Tom's empty.